The Catalog ...

Found this in a reprint of a 1908 Sears catalog – isn’t it amazing how the words – for a catalog – back in 1971 (when the reprint was published) – are so appropriate for today’s Internet!
The author chose to do it entirely in lower case, so that’s the way I typed it … enjoy!

the catalog

i know the markets of the earth and
wonderous tales i tell
of all the new and pretty things the
whole world has to sell
and those who sit with me awhile and
roam my pages through
may see the pageants of mankind set
out in open view.

i know the realms of happiness
for little girls and boys
i swing the gates which lead into the
magic land of toys.
i am the window of the world at which
is kept displayed
the best of everything men do:
the best of all they’ve made.

oh, whether it be north or south
or distant east or west
i show the dwelling beautiful and
fashion at its best.
i am a thousand shops in one; gay stall and quaint bazaar,
the glamour that is paris and the
charm of zanzibar.

they know me as a catalog and yet on
lonely night
i bring them dreams and fancies and
a wealth of real delights.
for often when the day is done and
duty’s flags are furled
i take the family shopping round the
markets of the world.

—Edgar A. Guest